Police Officer/Lateral Transfer

City of Santa MonicaSanta Monica, CA
Onsite

About The Position

Join one of the highest-paid police departments in California, where competitive compensation is just the beginning. At SMPD, you’ll experience the excitement of working in a world-class destination, Santa Monica’s beaches, iconic pier, and vibrant community make it a place like no other. Beyond the pay, you'll find a truly regarding career where purpose, community impact, and personal growth are our priorities. With a supportive team culture and numerous career development pathways, SMPD offers opportunities to advance and diversity your skills across a wide range of assignments. Our focus on well-being, ongoing training, and a balanced work environment ensures you'll be both challenged and supported as you make a positive difference in Santa Monica.

Requirements

  • Graduation from high school or the equivalent.
  • Completion of a California P.O.S.T. approved police academy.
  • One year of full-time, paid experience as a sworn peace officer with an organized, local government agency.
  • Applicants must be currently employed as a sworn peace officer in State of California.
  • Possession of a valid Class C driver license.
  • Possession of a regular Basic California P.O.S.T. Certificate.
  • Applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent resident aliens who are eligible for and have applied for U.S. citizenship. Resident aliens must obtain citizenship within three (3) years from date of application.
  • Upon hire, police officers must be non-users of tobacco products.
  • Applicants for Police Officer-Lateral Transfer must pass an extensive background investigation and must not have been convicted of a misdemeanor involving domestic violence or a felony.
  • Effective September 23, 2021, all incoming Santa Monica Police Officer/Lateral Transfers must maintain California residency and live within a 95-mile radius from the Santa Monica Police Department.
  • Knowledge of: Law enforcement codes, crime prevention methods, rules of evidence, laws of arrest, investigation and identification techniques and traffic and crowd control Principles of grammar and composition Effective customer service techniques
  • Ability to: Follow written and oral instructions Follow applicable safety rules and regulations Make decisions under pressure, including life threatening situations Communicate effectively both orally and in writing Respond to inquiries from the public in a tactful manner Be sensitive to issues impacting the quality of life of residents, guests, and visitors to the City Provide effective customer service Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public Maintain a qualifying score, at the shooting range, as established by the Santa Monica Police Department Interact and communicate tactfully with culturally diverse populations
  • Skill in: Reading, writing, and communicating at an appropriate level Assessing situations and determining the proper course of action

Responsibilities

  • Enforces laws and maintains order; protects life and property; prevents crime, and actively contributes to the welfare of the community.
  • Patrols an assigned area in marked/unmarked vehicles, bicycles, motorcycles, horses, and all terrain/beach vehicles and on foot for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances.
  • Maintains law and order; answers inquiries and assists the public; responds to requests for police services and takes appropriate actions.
  • Investigates and prepares reports on offenses, collisions, and other incidents.
  • Makes arrests, transports arrestees/prisoners, issues citations, and serves warrants and subpoenas.
  • Directs traffic.
  • Appears and testifies in court, both on and off duty.
  • Observes and reports hazards, abandoned or damaged vehicles or property, and malfunctions of city-owned equipment such as streetlights and traffic control devices.
  • Practices and maintains proficiency in the use of firearms and other police weapons and equipment.
  • Attends training courses as required by P.O.S.T and the Chief of Police.
  • Analyzes recurring patrol and specialized problems/hazards in collaboration with supervisors, peers, and service clientele.
  • Participates in developing long-term resolutions to law enforcement related problems and issues.
  • Responds to calls for police service, major traffic collisions, and other emergencies.
  • Performs other duties, as assigned.

Benefits

  • 100% City-paid medical premiums
  • Choice of 12 CalPERS medical plans
  • Cash-in-lieu for waiving medical coverage
  • Dental insurance (HMO and PPO plans)
  • Vision insurance
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • CalPERS Retirement
  • Supplemental Retirement Plan (457(b))
  • Premium Reimbursement Plan
  • Vacation accrual
  • Sick leave accrual
  • Tuition Reimbursement ($2500 per fiscal year maximum)
  • Longevity Pay
  • Educational Incentive Pay
  • Bilingual Pay
  • Uniform Allowance
  • Holiday Pay
  • Annual Sick Leave Cash Out
  • Annual Vacation Cash Out
  • K9 assignments
  • Overtime opportunities
  • FTO assignments
  • Film Assignments
  • Call Back Pay
  • Telephone Calls Pay
  • Wellness Hour
  • Military Leave
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Bereavement Leave
  • FMLA
  • Personal Leave Cash Out
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